Oseebɔ

Oseebɔ (Hailing) for SATB chorus was composed March 26, 1931, and is one of Amu’s sacred songs. “Osee! Oseyee! Oseaye! Aye!” is a war cry. It is an expression of joy or triumph that greets a victorious warrior. Interestingly, Amu used this expression to translate ‘Hosana.’ The reason is perhaps not far to seek. Both ‘hosana’ and ‘oseeye’ are battle cries used to spur warriors on to victory or to celebrate the triumph of an army. ‘Hosana’ comes from the Hebrew ‘Hosanna,’ as used by the crowd that greeted Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Mt. 21:9). It means ‘save us now.’ ‘Oseeye’ is heard today on parade grounds, such as when troops respond to the cry made by their commander or when mass rallies of students or workers are addressed to whip up enthusiasm. In this poem, Amu celebrates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the grave. Just as a victorious warrior is greeted with a shout of victory, so is Jesus given the same greetings for his victory over death.” (Philip T. Laryea. Ephraim Amu: Nationalist, Poet and Theologian, p. 63).